Memento Films Exec Nick Shumaker Joins UTA’s Independent Film Group

Memento Films executive Nick Shumaker has joined UTA as an agent in its Independent Film Group, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Shumaker spent the past four years acquiring and working on English-language films for the Paris-based sales and distribution company. He acquired and executive produced the Alzheimer’s drama Still Alice, which has star Julianne Moore poised as an Oscar frontrunner in this year’s race. Shumaker’s other acquisitions include the critically acclaimed Short Term 12 and Compliance, and at Memento he also executive produced or set up financing for respected genre thrillers Cold in July, Blue Ruin and We Are What We Are as well as the upcoming family drama Louder Than Bombs, starring Gabriel Byrne and Jesse Eisenberg.

Prior to Memento, Shumaker produced the documentaries Me @ the Zoo and American Mystic as well as the acclaimed sci-fi indie Another Earth, which garnered him an Independent Spirit nomination for best first feature. And before that, the Georgetown graduate worked as a journalist and documentary producer in Havana.

“Nick brings vast knowledge and insight from his career as an executive working in both production and international distribution,” said Rena Ronson, UTA Independent Film Group head, in a statement. “Those assets will be invaluable to our business on a worldwide basis.”